Hotel Riu Naiboa arvostelua

Firstly this is NOT a bad hotel but some things do let it down. This was our first trip to DR and think we have been spoilt by previous trips to Mexico and the like. Arriving at the hotel was very much like any other but there was no real “welcome” as such it was like booking into a holiday inn or travel lodge … a here’s your key there’s the lift type affair. The room - small, standard and a bit dated. Optics in the room weren’t replenished and the fridge was “topped up” every second day with 3 bottles of Pepsi 3 cans of lager and some water but you could request more so that was fine. The bathroom was the most dated bit … some leaks off the shower and some fittings that were a bit loose but it did the job. The beds though need replacing as ours was like sleeping on a mushy banana l. The food - the main “cohiba” restaurant was ok … don’t expect al a carte dining or magnificent cuisine because you’ll be disappointed it is a free for all buffet but there is something for everyone. We didn’t go to the Italian on site as the set menus didn’t appeal. The Staff - I want the managers to know about one man in particular … SANTO. He is a waiter in the cohiba restaurant and he is a credit to you he made us feel so welcome and is a star on to your staff. Luis Miguel who worked with him was also a top top guy and should be credited and thanked also. The pool - Decent .,, a pools a pool isn’t it really but it did the job perfect. Sun beds are usually all gone by 10/11 ish. The resort - the Naiboa is the lower end of the complex so (as wrongly informed by tui) you cannot use the other hotel’s facilities apart from the gym and spa so don’t expect to use other restaurants and bars. The beach bar at the end of the shopping street is for all hotels and is perfect for a light lunch when the main one is busy. The water park is good and recommend going for opening time until Lunchtime as it is very open so gets very hot in the afternoon. My main points for staying here - 1) Tip the staff … a dollar here and there goes a long way and not to be daft you get treated nicer and served quicker 😉 they work bloody hard for it. 2) don’t expect it to be 5 star … the hotel is what is and is a good base and has enough for a family of four to keep busy for a fortnight. 3) The entertainment isn’t great … most nights it was YouTube music videos on the big screen “aka DJ MUSIC” which isn’t too bad but Jesus turn the volume down as you can’t hold a conversation in the bar past 8:30/9:00pm. 4) get good bug spray and bug bite cream .., the beach was the worst for us for it. 5) haggle at the Calle Carribea shops … if there isn’t a price stamped on it then there isn’t a fixed price. The closer to the beach to easier it is to haggle as the larger shops at the top seem more inline with the resort and have labelled pricing. Please don’t take this as a negative review the holiday was great but it was missing a few little things to make it amazing. Thank you RIU Naibo